Five Signs Your Steering Column Needs Repair or Replacement
The steering column is a vital part of a car’s steering system. It transmits the steering input from the steering wheel to the steering gear, which turns the wheels and changes the vehicle’s direction.
Like other parts of your vehicle, the steering column can deteriorate with use, but usually it won’t. The steering column usually lasts the life of the vehicle with no problems at all, particularly if the vehicle has been driven mostly on the highway.
However, if the steering column is in bad shape, repair or replacement is necessary. Having little control over your vehicle is a massive safety hazard, so it’s imperative to have it serviced at the first sign of failure.
Common Failing Steering Column Symptoms
There are several issues that arise when you’re dealing with a failing steering column. Most of these are steering difficulties, such as rough or loose steering, a misaligned steering wheel, and steering wheel noises.
Difficulty in Steering
A bad steering column is to blame if you’re having difficulty turning your steering wheel.
The lower shaft between the fixed column and the steering gear typically has two universal joints on a replaceable shaft. In the same way U-joints fail on a driveshaft, one or more of the needle bearing caps can dry out and cause a hard-then-easy feel when you’re rotating the steering wheel during a turn.
Loose Steering
Loose steering, or steering free play, is when the steering wheel turns, yet the car is unresponsive. A bad steering column could be the issue, especially for older vehicles that have gone through general wear and tear.
It’s also one of the most dangerous symptoms of a faulty steering column since you’ll find it difficult to make hard turns–limiting your vehicle’s movement. When experiencing free play, it’s recommended to leave your car at home and have a mechanic check it.
Binding Steering Wheel
A steering wheel that feels heavy when you reach a certain angle is referred to as a steering wheel bind. This is often due to the universal joint located in your column wearing out.
Misaligned Steering Wheel
A fully operational steering wheel should return to a centered position easily. If the steering wheel is misaligned during its neutral state, it’s a problem that needs addressing.
Typically a misaligned steering wheel will be an alignment issue. But the reason the steering wheel tries to return to center on its own when everything is adjusted right and nothing is binding, is because of the caster angle. When you turn the wheels one way or another, it slightly raises the car body in the front. When the wheels are at center, the car body in the front is at its lowest, so gravity helps to center the steering wheel automatically.
Typically a misaligned steering wheel will be an alignment issue. But the reason the steering wheel tries to return to center on its own when everything is adjusted right and nothing is binding, is because of the caster angle.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Different factors may cause misalignment, and while it’s not as dangerous as rough and loose steering, you should address a misaligned steering wheel as soon as possible. Note that a non-rack and pinion steering gear is adjustable and can easily be adjusted too tight, which makes for a stiff spot right in the center of the steering wheel travel.
Grinding and Clicking Noises
Once you feel resistance and hear grinding or clicking noises when turning, then you might have issues within your steering column. It can stem from a number of things, but the noises generally come from a damaged needle bearing in your steering column.
This could mean the bearing is corroding or there’s built-up grime and dirt. Both cases, however, require a thorough inspection.
Tilt Steering Difficulties
The tilt steering system allows for adjustable steering wheels for the driver to tilt, raise, or lower the steering wheel to a comfortable position. Once it’s moved, the wheel should lock in place until you readjust it again. If it doesn’t lock and the wheel remains mobile, it might indicate a damaged component in the steering column.
What Are the Functions of the Steering Column?
The steering column is a device connected to the steering wheel intended to transmit input, allowing you to turn your vehicle and change directions. Besides steering, the column has secondary functions in certain scenarios:
- Absorb energy produced during impact on any frontal collision
- Provides mounting for different steering wheel components
- Offers height and/or length adjustment for the driver
The anti-theft device, or steering lock, is also fitted to the steering column below the steering wheel. So a damaged column could compromise the security of your vehicle.
What Is the Lifespan of a Steering Column?
Ideally, the steering column should last as long as your vehicle. Even if it’s one of the most used parts of your car, it’s built to last unless accidents or malfunctions happen.
Can I Drive My Car With a Broken Steering Column?
Your ability to drive your car with a broken steering column depends on the severity of the damage. Minor damages usually result in shaky steering wheels or difficulty turning, while extreme cases eliminate control over your car.
However, you should have an expert look at your steering column regardless of the extremity of the damage, as it’s inadvisable to drive with a broken one. Its effects can be dangerous to you, passengers, drivers, and pedestrians.
How Do You Inspect a Steering Column?
A way to inspect your steering column is by turning the steering wheel and checking if it’s wobbly or makes any strange noise. If it does either one, then there’s an issue within your steering column that needs addressing.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Steering Column?
The average price of repairing a steering column is around $1,000. The final price depends on the part that needs replacing and the labor fee of the auto body shop. Some parts go for as low as $290 or as high as $950, while the labor fee is somewhere between $300 to $600.
How Long Does It Take To Repair a Steering Column?
Repairing the steering column will take one to two hours on average. If the damage is severe, it could take three or more hours.
Can I Repair a Steering Column Myself?
Most damages require professional help, so it’s recommended to have an expert take a look. However, some steering column repairs are easy, especially if you’re dealing with minor issues, so it’s possible to do the repairs yourself if you have the necessary tools.
Closing Thoughts
Repairing or preventing further damage to the steering column is important to ensure safety while driving. Driving with little mobility, especially when turning, is reckless and could lead to irreversible damage.
It’s recommended to seek professional help when necessary, as there are dangers involved in attempting complex repairs at home. And as much as possible, having a mechanic look at the issues at home is paramount.
The post Five Signs Your Steering Column Needs Repair or Replacement appeared first on In The Garage with CarParts.com.
https://ift.tt/DydK3qP https://ift.tt/3s8qAf1 https://notes.io//Tzb4 https://ift.tt/jRcD8iY https://ift.tt/RwZaBGr https://ift.tt/R6lnQio https://ift.tt/nQm5yB9 https://ift.tt/y05qo7O https://ift.tt/yXIrcLa https://ift.tt/AVLu8DX https://ift.tt/i8RIrPx https://ift.tt/V7hnbq0 https://ift.tt/oFGIsmW https://ift.tt/7WS5Fij https://notes.io//Tzxx https://ift.tt/yM5ZofG https://ift.tt/psfc8Nh https://ift.tt/wYMIypd https://ift.tt/vRPrw9N https://ift.tt/WrswbVk https://ift.tt/FVyarBj https://ift.tt/rldiIDA https://ift.tt/s5QVuoH https://ift.tt/Fa0Uvbz https://ift.tt/WLu9yYh https://ift.tt/7TuSNGJ https://ift.tt/xNm4Aa1 https://notes.io//TzdJ https://ift.tt/GwQBUt0 https://ift.tt/hUdaGtq https://ift.tt/AqfGtRI https://ift.tt/SHtTMwf https://ift.tt/1Xp8nHT https://ift.tt/3ZV6Q7q https://ift.tt/9PswEp3 https://ift.tt/KuFUho0 https://ift.tt/ngPxOWd https://ift.tt/xGhTbF5 https://ift.tt/oJAIKMm https://ift.tt/zemwS6f https://ift.tt/CdiYHBv https://notes.io//Tzdn https://ift.tt/IJlP2L7 https://ift.tt/OoAMy4f https://ift.tt/u6r2MFb https://ift.tt/trRIFg4 https://ift.tt/n3UzN75 https://ift.tt/aSx7uvW https://ift.tt/Wcip7nI https://ift.tt/vaQlLSR https://ift.tt/XjLnArW https://ift.tt/L0UP5dY https://ift.tt/VWHgGX0 https://ift.tt/kwDAr37 https://ift.tt/Y48qlpK https://notes.io//Tzdm https://ift.tt/4jJWqIt https://ift.tt/j0QpvLJ https://ift.tt/u6r2MFb https://ift.tt/G3DjBP5 https://ift.tt/zQkl4qF https://ift.tt/SXYixg0 https://ift.tt/05d1Crx https://ift.tt/O0naWfc https://ift.tt/o1OFmtR https://ift.tt/7jV82pe https://ift.tt/2bRsI5Q https://ift.tt/uB6JAHQ https://ift.tt/bpcfDJO https://notes.io//TzxT https://ift.tt/Pyn2vic https://ift.tt/I6gfOCq https://ift.tt/MzSeqBk https://ift.tt/SwkvcBA https://ift.tt/8UPgY5x https://ift.tt/6zF7gRW https://ift.tt/aZGU7OH https://ift.tt/nOWegrq https://ift.tt/pkah3wO https://ift.tt/x9MP4FJ https://ift.tt/3YL9uSM https://ift.tt/SL6kUJC https://ift.tt/wrhG9L7 https://notes.io//TzhL https://ift.tt/0cTXbO9 https://ift.tt/Sb3wftO https://ift.tt/A3uZ0Mm https://ift.tt/jJZozOQ https://ift.tt/iVXcbNw https://ift.tt/chBQSiU https://ift.tt/zH4Qxti https://ift.tt/ZfWbDk0 https://ift.tt/BavN1nx https://ift.tt/k9UzEuV https://ift.tt/DMAldKs https://notes.io//Tzdb https://ift.tt/eIamNOV https://ift.tt/7pcoryb https://ift.tt/8sMWwuG https://ift.tt/JM2cIb1 https://ift.tt/JkeaHqu https://ift.tt/NpflT4i https://ift.tt/FmxJHgK https://ift.tt/FOCszkB https://ift.tt/bGtlwfJ https://ift.tt/9GHkzb5 https://ift.tt/g6xwNaK https://ift.tt/a6c3uZ7 https://ift.tt/NMO2YSm https://notes.io//TzsQ https://ift.tt/qtwG5Wl https://ift.tt/gmtwMiz https://ift.tt/U25B9pt https://ift.tt/r5XkLqR https://ift.tt/7e2OIKc https://ift.tt/sJFP6Eq https://ift.tt/MgaQJcB https://ift.tt/erCnB57 https://ift.tt/Sjb5YWO https://ift.tt/9nWSx4c https://ift.tt/1E0mV5G https://ift.tt/97wQi2B https://ift.tt/2u9kpCR https://notes.io//Tzdq https://ift.tt/DitSp29 https://ift.tt/Mt6uAcC https://ift.tt/ZJBunv1 https://ift.tt/UzyFX9G https://ift.tt/W2A1bSn https://ift.tt/mFvYHL0 https://ift.tt/WxGzaZj https://ift.tt/r57SFE3 https://ift.tt/CoLhsiY https://ift.tt/LhNyJtr https://ift.tt/Dlf650e https://ift.tt/Kak23ES https://ift.tt/htG6wHb https://notes.io//Tzja https://ift.tt/a1Fudmh https://ift.tt/zvRV98S https://ift.tt/ZHqwkse https://ift.tt/VyaEZLu https://ift.tt/lkeNDZA https://ift.tt/8NImkEo https://ift.tt/VuGIq3T https://ift.tt/OE81YXa https://ift.tt/cnMFC7v https://ift.tt/HjYtoxf https://ift.tt/jpmOMV9 https://ift.tt/sfioVOw https://ift.tt/XA2cNVJ https://notes.io//TzdH https://ift.tt/JxUOgQ1 https://ift.tt/oqmgJrS https://ift.tt/1hdpfCs https://ift.tt/uKT2MNk https://ift.tt/0fuU9gq https://ift.tt/jcDKA94 https://ift.tt/zo8XgKE https://ift.tt/VP7pHvM https://ift.tt/WJQv6DZ https://ift.tt/OANJh4D https://ift.tt/UfQSHVB https://ift.tt/yIXBUgG https://notes.io//TzpE https://ift.tt/rTZmgEG https://ift.tt/476oUbM https://ift.tt/J7aPhMb https://ift.tt/Vj1EkUq https://ift.tt/ew3qmYF https://ift.tt/Ivjkdby https://ift.tt/u3mkhJY https://ift.tt/46ucd0n https://ift.tt/mxao0Aj https://ift.tt/oF0mf3I https://ift.tt/iYqBQD0 https://ift.tt/mwKMv6H https://ift.tt/iufJWq7 https://notes.io//TzpN https://ift.tt/SRgCv90 https://ift.tt/k75nQAc https://ift.tt/JTxFPzU https://ift.tt/c4wguXP https://ift.tt/29SHdPT https://ift.tt/Y2wate3 https://ift.tt/jE4Cs3z https://ift.tt/0ds1p6v https://ift.tt/NniFwMQ https://ift.tt/kdcyTP6 https://ift.tt/WfUY5te https://ift.tt/T4oNjlt https://ift.tt/uHNqL2x https://notes.io//Tzsb https://ift.tt/RUIcJ7Z https://ift.tt/DaIBxPz https://ift.tt/LIvu1XC https://ift.tt/LNmp87C https://ift.tt/F7fJhHA https://ift.tt/2cWjX7b https://ift.tt/h0vqy9u https://ift.tt/lySYGkr https://ift.tt/XUeTxNK https://ift.tt/EM26nbc https://ift.tt/1Sy4eP3 https://ift.tt/Cu7fTnJ https://ift.tt/rBAqdzG https://notes.io//Tzat https://ift.tt/C6X39p1 https://ift.tt/HKBwQJ8 https://ift.tt/3h4MoPD https://ift.tt/GDOwngI https://ift.tt/7SHwCND https://ift.tt/yFErzu0 https://ift.tt/8jqOpsI https://ift.tt/RvDG2lY https://ift.tt/ECHFMn8 https://ift.tt/ZpCrI7k https://ift.tt/lqDFrTs https://ift.tt/TMr7QyF https://ift.tt/pTkUdwc https://notes.io//TzpW https://ift.tt/AvRFxOc https://ift.tt/rS0h4BL https://ift.tt/BEfZNdt https://ift.tt/Vj1EkUq https://ift.tt/DUWdECP https://ift.tt/nlMUjp1 https://ift.tt/A6f2kyK https://ift.tt/HoCOA5J https://ift.tt/l721x5f https://ift.tt/bIZm4PG https://ift.tt/QIMLAPb
Comments
Post a Comment